I took way WAY too long to get to this one, but I did end up quite enjoying it, so that was a nice surprise waiting for me.
This one is a great reader for nature writing fans, whilst also being a good 'beginner guide' or sorts to starting to chase dragonflies yourself. I loved Crosby's fairly light and gentle tone, and I was actually laughing here and there. The images were also really beautiful, and I loved hearing someone talk so enthusiastically about something - it kind of makes you enthusiastic, too.
Overall I really enjoyed my time with this book, and I feel like I learned quite a lot, however I did have a little bit of an issue with later chapters which came across as just a touch on the ableist side. Honestly, I think a lot of books that talk about 'getting out into nature' can do this, so it's not uncommon, but being told that if I'm not going out to search for dragonflies myself then I'm not actually experiencing them at all is kind of sucky. I'm lucky enough to sometimes be able to go out looking for birds, but it's rare, and I don't really appreciate being told that there's a 'right' way to interact with nature, whether that was your intention or not. I do prefer when writers just write about their own experience, what works for them and what they love, rather than trying to preach to me a bit about how buying dragonfly-themed items is lovely and all, but not necessarily 'enough'. (I don't have any dragonfly-themed items, but I do have a fair few badger ones...).

Anyway, aside from kind of wanting the author to check their privilege just a touch (there were moments during the times that cancer recovery was being discussed, and the freedom of just sitting and watching, that I really really loved, so I don't want to give the impression that the whole book was one big preach-fest, just wanted to note it as it bothered me), I really enjoyed reading this book and learning do much more about dragonflies and damselflies. Very happy to have finally read this one.

I know next to nothing about dragonflies and damselflies but I've been very interested in learning more, and when I saw this book available, I was eager to request a copy. The title, Chasing Dragonflies, really spoke to me, and I love the painted rather than photo cover.

Chasing Dragonflies is an apt title as author Cindy Crosby seeks out new dragonfly and damselfly experiences the way bird watchers will take trips with the hopes of catching sight of a new bird to add to their lists.

But Crosby's journey is almost too personal. It sometimes appears cathartic - particularly as Crosby reflects on her cancer, aging, and family. She nicely ties these thoughts to the peaceful pursuit of dragonflies (and damselflies). And as a memoir, I really enjoyed this book and Crosby's quite poetic language.

As a "Natural History" (part of the book's subtitle)? This is a little less clear.

There is some solid science and fact woven into this "Personal History" but it filters out a bit behind the personal accounts and poetic language. We never quite leave the feeling that this is personal reflection, even though it comes from someone with some science acumen.

It's easy to get hooked on this book. I was drawn in by this passage in Crosby's Prologue:

I’m inspired by how dragonflies are both tough and fragile; fierce and mild. They each fly for only a few short weeks, yet the species is still around after others have disappeared from the earth. They are cannibals who may eat one another, yet you can safely hold one in your hand. As they transform themselves from water creatures to creatures of the air, they are vulnerable to the predation of frogs or birds. A falling leaf may damage their newly unfolded wings beyond repair. Yet when those same wings harden, they are strong enough to carry many of them thousands of miles in migration.

I often see dragonflies when I'm out in the summertime in my Minnesota stomping grounds. I'll even see them at times as I sit on my back deck. And always I wish I knew a little more about them. Now I do. Know a little bit more about them. What Crosby does best, though, is to pique my interest so that I might do some further research.

The artwork by Peggy Macnamara is perfect, capturing the tough but fragile nature of the dragonflies and the reflective science of Cindy Crosby's writing.

Looking for a good book? Chasing Dragonflies by Cindy Crosby is a memoir of a natural science researcher - tough and resilient (both Crosby and the dragonflies she chases).

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

As delicate, balanced, and beautiful as a dragonfly's wing, this book is so much more than a natural history. Part memoir, part journey through staggering illness, part the story of finding one's self, I love this intimate look into both the lives of the dragonfly and the life of the author. Cindy has done something amazing here. It is worth a loving and careful read.

A wonderful book about dragonflies. The author tells her story, about why she loves dragonflies and how they help her in her daily life. The book has personal elements but also some scientific elements and there are helpful tips on how to spot them yourself. The artwork is absolutely stunning and definetely my favourite part of the book! There's also a helpful list of resources in the back in case you want to know more. Recommended for dragon- & damselfly lovers!

What an amazing book! I have been in love with dragonflies and damselflies since I was 5! I never realized just how much is still unknown about all the various dragonflies and damselflies. Cindy Crosby's book is such a work of passion. You know she is really into these creatures and studies them so we all can learn about them. I had no idea there were so many varieties. And learning about their habits (some migrate!) is so interesting. I will be looking out for them next time I go hiking by our local ponds. I think I may need to pay more attention to them to see if ever I can learn to tell them all apart. Great book. Very readable and conversational in style.

Insects don’t tend to get a lot of love, with the exception of those who can fly. We love bees, butterflies and of course dragonflies. Despite the old wives tales told about dragonflies sewing up children’s mouths, most of us have been captivated by these delicate jewel like creatures since we were kids. And when we learned that they preyed on mosquitoes, we were sold. Crosby explores the lives of these magical creatures, where they live and how they reproduce and how their behavior and survival is a sign of climate change and the future of our planet. This lovely book is both beautiful and informative and a highly recommended addition to the shelf of nature lovers everywhere

The author talks about her “ongoing love affair with this charismatic insect” and I found her book to be exactly that for me! About 25 years ago, a dragonfly came to me in a guided imagery meditation and has held meaning for me ever since. I recently wrote. Novel called Dragonflies at Night that weaves the spiritual message of the dragonfly throughout a modern love story. Cindy Crosby ‘s book deepened my own knowledge of this fascinating insect. There is so much to learn and so much we can apply to our lives.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. In the last few years, I have become interested in dragonflies and learning more about them. I loved reading this book written by someone who is so passionate about them. I learned a lot about dragonflies that will help with identifying this spring and summer.

Absolutely fascinating! Sadly, I have never given much thought to dragonflies, mind the time one got trapped in my car on the way to work and I didn't realize it until it was frighteningly whizzing about around my head as I flew down the highway trying not to crash as I rolled down the windows attempting to shoo it free.

Crosby makes learning about dragonflies seem whimsical and enchanting. Her language is lyrical and poetic as she describes the transformations migration these winged creatures endure.